Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project is nearing completion, with 97% of the work already done.
Gatekeepers News reports that this statement was made after Wike inspected the progress of the project, which extended from the Central Area’s Metro Station to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday.
Wike was excited about the progress made on the project and referred to it as a “dream comes true”.
Additionally, he disclosed that the Abuja Light Rail will be officially launched in May, coinciding with the celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office.
Wike also revealed that President Tinubu has already given the go-ahead for the inauguration of several projects, including the ART, as part of the festivities marking his administration’s anniversary.
“We are very happy. We are almost 97% completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.
“I believe this is one of the projects Mr President would like to inaugurate, because it is very key to the development of the economy.
“For me, it is a dream comes true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29,” he said.
As part of his inspection tour, Wike took a 30-minute ride on the Abuja Light Rail from the Metro Station to the Airport, of which he expressed his preference for the rail system over traditional road transport to the airport, citing its convenience.
He commended the efforts of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor responsible for the project, for their efficiency and assured completion of the renovation works on the stations before the scheduled commissioning in May.
Addressing inquiries about the potential extension of the rail lines to high-traffic areas in the capital city, Wike said: “I am not committing anything now, because we are taking everything step by step.
“We have to first of all, consider the financial implications.
“Linking areas like Nyanya are important, no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do, but for now, there is no commitment,” he stated.
Additionally, Wike revealed plans by the FCT Administration to set up three road transport terminals in Abuja, starting in May, to improve safety and reliability, addressing the issue of “one chance” criminality and offering safer alternatives to unverified transport services.
